Jump AI data shows 44% of meetings now cover wealth transfer. Learn five critical areas where beneficiary designations fail ...

Wondering whether retirement accounts go through probate? In most cases, they don’t — thanks to beneficiary designations.. Retirement accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s and annuities typically bypass probate ...

Mindful of cumbersome rules and the potential for blended-family feuds, advisers can help take the lead on keeping the peace ...

Standard retirement account beneficiary forms may not be flexible enough to ensure your money passes to family members according to your wishes. Naming a trust as the contingent beneficiary can help ...

Key Points 401(k) beneficiary designations override wills and transfer assets without probate. Without a named beneficiary or ...

Beneficiary decisions are a crucial yet often overlooked step when planning for retirement. Simply having a will does not mean your estate plan is fully covered. If you die without a will or your will ...

Despite efforts by plan sponsors and third-party administrators/plan recordkeepers to communicate to defined contribution retirement plan participants the importance of designating a beneficiary to ...

Dear Liz: I was perplexed by your column in which you pooh-poohed pay-on-death and transfer-on-death accounts in favor of trusts. But you gave no specific explanation. Rather, you said trusts ...

For retirement savers, adding a beneficiary to your 401(k) plan should be a top priority. A 401(k) plan beneficiary is the person or entity, such as a charity or trust, who inherits your 401(k) after ...

Do yourself a favor: Check the heirs named on your IRA or 401(k) retirement plans. Then check your parents’ accounts. A lot is riding on these designations, and it’s easy for life to outrun planning ...

I’m not looking for an answer for an unlucky investor, but I have a story about how you should be vigilant with your finances. I funded an IRA for many years with my son as beneficiary. Two decades ...